Monday, June 29, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Cebu dancing inmates to perform 'Thriller' tribute for Jackson
MANILA, Philippines - On Saturday afternoon, more than 1,400 orange-clad Cebu inmates who gained worldwide attention for their rollicking “Thriller" performance on YouTube will pay their last respects to the late King of Pop.
“Everyone’s sad," Byron Garcia, provincial security consultant of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC), told GMANews.TV in a phone interview.
“Malaki talaga si Michael Jackson sa programa namin. [Michael Jackson really played a big part in our program]," Garcia said.
Ever since the "dancing inmates" were reported by international news organizations, Garcia said inquisitive tourists have been drawn to the CPDRC. The image of Philippine convicts has never been the same since.
“Kung ‘di dahil sa kantang ‘Thriller’ ‘di magkakaroon ng global recognition ang mga inmates ng Cebu [If it weren’t for ‘Thriller’ the Cebu inmates wouldn’t have global recognition]."
If it weren’t for ‘Thriller’ the Cebu inmates wouldn’t have global recognition
– Byron Garcia, CPDRC
The CPDRC inmates perform every last Saturday of the month to almost 600 visitors for free. On June 27, they will stage a repeat of the Thriller dance routine that made them famous as a tribute to Jackson, who died of a heart attack Thursday in Los Angeles.
The moonwalking pop star drove the growth of music videos, vaulting cable channel MTV into the mainstream after the network’s launch in 1981. His 1982 hit "Thriller" spawned a John Landis-directed music video that MTV played every hour.
Fast-forward 25 years later and Garcia, who noticed that the inmates were bored with the usual morning exercise, sought the help of choreographer Vince Rosales and adapted Jackson’s iconic moves into a four-minute routine.
Crisanto “Dodong" Niere, the Cebu inmate who impersonates Jackson in the routine, said he was saddened by his idol’s sudden death.
"He is sad his idol died," an official from the CPDRC who spoke with Dodong told GMANews.TV. [See: Cebu inmate impersonator sad over Jackson’s death]
The video has since generated more than 23 million views after it was posted in 2007 and has even been hailed by TIME Magazine as one of the best viral videos of that year.
Garcia said the inmates’ popularity might gain another momentum as shocked fans continue to look online for anything that would remind them of Jackson.
The YouTube video that made Cebu inmates a household name has become a virtual epitaph for Jackson, where fans post their condolences. But Jackson’s fans logging on to watch the dancing inmates appeared overwhelmed with joy, at least for a while, after watching the 4-minute video.
“Stunning," Vidya said before posting “R.I.P to the King."
Source: GMA News
Read more!
“Everyone’s sad," Byron Garcia, provincial security consultant of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC), told GMANews.TV in a phone interview.
“Malaki talaga si Michael Jackson sa programa namin. [Michael Jackson really played a big part in our program]," Garcia said.
Ever since the "dancing inmates" were reported by international news organizations, Garcia said inquisitive tourists have been drawn to the CPDRC. The image of Philippine convicts has never been the same since.
“Kung ‘di dahil sa kantang ‘Thriller’ ‘di magkakaroon ng global recognition ang mga inmates ng Cebu [If it weren’t for ‘Thriller’ the Cebu inmates wouldn’t have global recognition]."
If it weren’t for ‘Thriller’ the Cebu inmates wouldn’t have global recognition
– Byron Garcia, CPDRC
The CPDRC inmates perform every last Saturday of the month to almost 600 visitors for free. On June 27, they will stage a repeat of the Thriller dance routine that made them famous as a tribute to Jackson, who died of a heart attack Thursday in Los Angeles.
The moonwalking pop star drove the growth of music videos, vaulting cable channel MTV into the mainstream after the network’s launch in 1981. His 1982 hit "Thriller" spawned a John Landis-directed music video that MTV played every hour.
Fast-forward 25 years later and Garcia, who noticed that the inmates were bored with the usual morning exercise, sought the help of choreographer Vince Rosales and adapted Jackson’s iconic moves into a four-minute routine.
Crisanto “Dodong" Niere, the Cebu inmate who impersonates Jackson in the routine, said he was saddened by his idol’s sudden death.
"He is sad his idol died," an official from the CPDRC who spoke with Dodong told GMANews.TV. [See: Cebu inmate impersonator sad over Jackson’s death]
The video has since generated more than 23 million views after it was posted in 2007 and has even been hailed by TIME Magazine as one of the best viral videos of that year.
Garcia said the inmates’ popularity might gain another momentum as shocked fans continue to look online for anything that would remind them of Jackson.
The YouTube video that made Cebu inmates a household name has become a virtual epitaph for Jackson, where fans post their condolences. But Jackson’s fans logging on to watch the dancing inmates appeared overwhelmed with joy, at least for a while, after watching the 4-minute video.
“Stunning," Vidya said before posting “R.I.P to the King."
Source: GMA News
Read more!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Cebu Pacific launches one way ‘Go Lite’ fare for its Cebu hub services
Value-airline Cebu Pacific (CEB) is offering a PHP286 one way ‘Go Lite’ fare for its Cebu hub flights to boost local tourism and trade amid the present economic slowdown.
The seat sale include flights from Manila to Cebu and Cebu to Bacolod, Boracay (Caticlan), Cagayan de Oro, Cotabato, Davao, Dipolog, Dumagete, Iloilo, Roxas, Siargao, and Zamboanga.
The promotional sale is for travel from 15-Jul-2009 to 31-Aug-2009. Sale is from 24-Jun to 26-Jun.
‘Go Lite’ fares are for passengers traveling with no check-in baggage. Passengers with check-in bags have to add P200 to the fare.
CEB vice president for marketing and distribution Candice Iyog said, “Our seat sale supports the government’s efforts to stimulate economic activity by promoting tourism which in turn supports the various local industries that depend on tourism growth. Cebu Pacific’s trademark low fares will allow both foreign and local tourists access to the many destinations our country has to offer.”
Source: Peanuts.aero
Read more!
The seat sale include flights from Manila to Cebu and Cebu to Bacolod, Boracay (Caticlan), Cagayan de Oro, Cotabato, Davao, Dipolog, Dumagete, Iloilo, Roxas, Siargao, and Zamboanga.
The promotional sale is for travel from 15-Jul-2009 to 31-Aug-2009. Sale is from 24-Jun to 26-Jun.
‘Go Lite’ fares are for passengers traveling with no check-in baggage. Passengers with check-in bags have to add P200 to the fare.
CEB vice president for marketing and distribution Candice Iyog said, “Our seat sale supports the government’s efforts to stimulate economic activity by promoting tourism which in turn supports the various local industries that depend on tourism growth. Cebu Pacific’s trademark low fares will allow both foreign and local tourists access to the many destinations our country has to offer.”
Source: Peanuts.aero
Read more!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Cebu tourism up 8.5% despite global crisis
Cebu posted an 8.51 percent growth in tourist arrivals despite the drop in key foreign markets at the onset of the global economic crisis last year, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said.
Tourism Undersecretary Phineas Alburo said Cebu drew close to 650,000 tourists out of the 3.13 million tourists that visited the country last year.
He said most of them were traditional visitors like Koreans, Japanese and Americans.
European tourists topped the country's arrivals with Russian tourists comprising 34 percent of the market followed by France with 19 percent and Great Britian with 10 percent.
“DOT’s efforts to diversify and offer new tourist products like adventure, diving and bird watching provided the impetus to stimulate increase in awareness of the country’s tourism potentials,” Alburo told local media at last week's Tourism Congress.
However, Alburo said the global crisis caused a significant drop in foreign tourist arrivals with Korean tourists declining by four percent and Japanese tourists by seven percent.
The number of Chinese tourists likewise dropped at 4.5 percent.
“Either people were losing jobs or people were not sure about their disposable income. In times like this, people tend to travel less far, less long and less expensive. They are staying in their home countries as domestic tourists,” he said.
Alburo said the DOT has shifted marketing efforts towards attracting more domestic tourists through events like the Philippine International Travel Fair (PITF) on June 25 to 27 at the Marco Polo Plaza Cebu.
The PITF is expected to gather 100 buyers worldwide to meet Philippine sellers of tourism packages, products and services.
Another event, the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) Mart on July 10 at Edsa Shangri-La Manila will set up foreign buyers with Philippine suppliers, Alburo said.
“Cautious but optimistic is the attitude of tourism players who believe that people will always travel for pleasure. The key word now is value in terms of what you get, for what you pay and your experience,” said Alburo.
While the H1N1 virus scare will affect tourism performance this year, Alburo said it is important that government is shown doing its best to contain the outbreak.
“What we are after now is image. Wearing masks affect the images because people will immediately react that the disease is not contained. This perception may lead to cancellation (of bookings and other travel plans),” he said.
Source: Cris Evert Lato Cebu Daily News
Read more!
Tourism Undersecretary Phineas Alburo said Cebu drew close to 650,000 tourists out of the 3.13 million tourists that visited the country last year.
He said most of them were traditional visitors like Koreans, Japanese and Americans.
European tourists topped the country's arrivals with Russian tourists comprising 34 percent of the market followed by France with 19 percent and Great Britian with 10 percent.
“DOT’s efforts to diversify and offer new tourist products like adventure, diving and bird watching provided the impetus to stimulate increase in awareness of the country’s tourism potentials,” Alburo told local media at last week's Tourism Congress.
However, Alburo said the global crisis caused a significant drop in foreign tourist arrivals with Korean tourists declining by four percent and Japanese tourists by seven percent.
The number of Chinese tourists likewise dropped at 4.5 percent.
“Either people were losing jobs or people were not sure about their disposable income. In times like this, people tend to travel less far, less long and less expensive. They are staying in their home countries as domestic tourists,” he said.
Alburo said the DOT has shifted marketing efforts towards attracting more domestic tourists through events like the Philippine International Travel Fair (PITF) on June 25 to 27 at the Marco Polo Plaza Cebu.
The PITF is expected to gather 100 buyers worldwide to meet Philippine sellers of tourism packages, products and services.
Another event, the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) Mart on July 10 at Edsa Shangri-La Manila will set up foreign buyers with Philippine suppliers, Alburo said.
“Cautious but optimistic is the attitude of tourism players who believe that people will always travel for pleasure. The key word now is value in terms of what you get, for what you pay and your experience,” said Alburo.
While the H1N1 virus scare will affect tourism performance this year, Alburo said it is important that government is shown doing its best to contain the outbreak.
“What we are after now is image. Wearing masks affect the images because people will immediately react that the disease is not contained. This perception may lead to cancellation (of bookings and other travel plans),” he said.
Source: Cris Evert Lato Cebu Daily News
Read more!
Flourishing Real Estate Investment Opportunity in Cebu
Escalating number of tourists in Cebu paved way for an increase in foreign investment that flourished the real estate industry in the city.
Cebu has been considered as one historic city over the decades. The place holds the first traces of Christianity brought by the Spaniards and served as the capital for the early commercial trade. The rich natural resources that includes pristine forests and stunning white sand beaches has been effective in attracting tourists and potential investors making Philippine investment property prosper in the place.
Modern facilities have replaced the old and dilapidated buildings that quickly created an image of a convenient modern city. Foreign investment has driven the economy’s success paving way for real estate opportunities. Specialists from DSR Asset Management Ltd have been assisting investors as to what potential properties yield high returns on investment.
Property investment in Cebu such as the City Loft and Ramos Tower has brought the modern and luxurious dwelling style in order to address the increasing demands for quality condo hotel properties. Foreign ownership of condominium units and houses are permitted but the land remains leased for up to 50 years and must be renewed for another 25 years.
Buying a condominium unit can become a turnkey investment as well as hassle free and simple once an overseas property specialist is consulted. Aside from enjoying the modern facilities, proximity to schools and other establishments can also be benefited. Owning a property has never been this convenient.
Source: PR Log
Read more!
Cebu has been considered as one historic city over the decades. The place holds the first traces of Christianity brought by the Spaniards and served as the capital for the early commercial trade. The rich natural resources that includes pristine forests and stunning white sand beaches has been effective in attracting tourists and potential investors making Philippine investment property prosper in the place.
Modern facilities have replaced the old and dilapidated buildings that quickly created an image of a convenient modern city. Foreign investment has driven the economy’s success paving way for real estate opportunities. Specialists from DSR Asset Management Ltd have been assisting investors as to what potential properties yield high returns on investment.
Property investment in Cebu such as the City Loft and Ramos Tower has brought the modern and luxurious dwelling style in order to address the increasing demands for quality condo hotel properties. Foreign ownership of condominium units and houses are permitted but the land remains leased for up to 50 years and must be renewed for another 25 years.
Buying a condominium unit can become a turnkey investment as well as hassle free and simple once an overseas property specialist is consulted. Aside from enjoying the modern facilities, proximity to schools and other establishments can also be benefited. Owning a property has never been this convenient.
Source: PR Log
Read more!
Cebu mayors vow to close all open dumps in 30 days
CEBU CITY — Expect the shutdown of all existing open trash dumps in the province within the next 30 days as the provincial government and 47 municipal mayors have committed to hasten efforts to comply with Republic Act 9003, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.
In lieu of the open dumps, the provincial government and the mayors agreed to jointly work for the establishment of a materials recovery facility (MRF) in every barangay as an initial measure of compliance.
Assistant Secretary Gerardo Calderon of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources cited Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and all the 47 town mayors for their commitment and support to the Zero Basura Caravan, which enjoins provinces, cities and municipalities to actively take part in the national government’s campaign to close all existing open dumps.
Local officials here also agreed to adopt measures for proper and safe closure as prescribed by the DENR and the National Solid Waste Management Commission of which Calderon is the executive director.
The Zero Basura Caravan is a joint nationwide project of the DENR, the NSWMC and the League of Municipalities of the Philippines.
In a statement, LMP national president Ramon Guico Jr. said the caravan has covered more than half its target.
“We have in fact already covered all regions in Luzon and almost done with the Visayas,” he said.
Looking at the critical role of the local government units in the garbage problem, proper waste management implementation and the climate change dilemma, the DENR, the Department of Health and the LMP are drawing together local chief executives from all over the country to comply with RA 9003 through a program dubbed as the “Interconnectivity Caravan: Strengthening and Empowering LMP Provincial Chapters”.
Highlighting the Zero Basura Caravan in LMP gatherings emphasize the significance and timeliness of the solid waste management campaign with the strategy on the 3-strike policy and the Zero Basura Program.
The caravan is also seen as a venue in strengthening the LGU-DENR partnership in sustaining the gains and addressing the challenges of the local government on solid waste management.
Source: Manila Bulletin
Read more!
In lieu of the open dumps, the provincial government and the mayors agreed to jointly work for the establishment of a materials recovery facility (MRF) in every barangay as an initial measure of compliance.
Assistant Secretary Gerardo Calderon of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources cited Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and all the 47 town mayors for their commitment and support to the Zero Basura Caravan, which enjoins provinces, cities and municipalities to actively take part in the national government’s campaign to close all existing open dumps.
Local officials here also agreed to adopt measures for proper and safe closure as prescribed by the DENR and the National Solid Waste Management Commission of which Calderon is the executive director.
The Zero Basura Caravan is a joint nationwide project of the DENR, the NSWMC and the League of Municipalities of the Philippines.
In a statement, LMP national president Ramon Guico Jr. said the caravan has covered more than half its target.
“We have in fact already covered all regions in Luzon and almost done with the Visayas,” he said.
Looking at the critical role of the local government units in the garbage problem, proper waste management implementation and the climate change dilemma, the DENR, the Department of Health and the LMP are drawing together local chief executives from all over the country to comply with RA 9003 through a program dubbed as the “Interconnectivity Caravan: Strengthening and Empowering LMP Provincial Chapters”.
Highlighting the Zero Basura Caravan in LMP gatherings emphasize the significance and timeliness of the solid waste management campaign with the strategy on the 3-strike policy and the Zero Basura Program.
The caravan is also seen as a venue in strengthening the LGU-DENR partnership in sustaining the gains and addressing the challenges of the local government on solid waste management.
Source: Manila Bulletin
Read more!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
PLDT SME Nation, Smart whip up Cebu Storm launch
Packaging entrepreneurial necessities with mobility, PLDT SME Nation and Smart Corporate Business group launched the BlackBerry Storm in Cebu recently to provide entrepreneurs mobile ICT solutions.
As the need to become more mobile arises, the BlackBerry Storm unit, which comes for free under the Smart Plan 3500, affords entrepreneurs the competitive edge of being productive even out of the office.
PLDT SME Nation Marketing Head Amil Azurin said amid an economic crisis, small and medium enterprises have always been optimistic and continue to “persevere” and are determined to see growth.
“SMEs are starting to invest in technology to support their expansion plans. They turn technology into profit which in turn reduces their cost and increase market reach and efficiency.”
The SME sector employs 70 per cent of the labor force and contributes 32 per cent to the country’s gross domestic product. “The business sector, especially the younger generation, are more wiling to incorporate technology in their business since they understand the cost-efficiency it can generate,” said PLDT SME Nation Vice President and head Kat Luna-Abelarde. Smart Corporate Business Group Marketing Head Chet Alviz attests that, the BlackBerry’s new model will help its users get connected anytime and anywhere, and will fit the needs of today’s entrepreneurs.
The BlackBerry Storm integrates PLDT SME Nation business solutions like the PLDT Watcher, where live video feed from the IP camera device can be directly viewed from the phone.
Aside from being a mobile email device, the BlackBerry Storm also packs in a global positioning system, multimedia functions, a 3.2-megapixel camera, and mobile streaming, to name a few. For more info on what PLDT SME Nation can offer your business, visit www.pldtsme-nation.com.ph.
Source: Manila Bulletin
Read more!
As the need to become more mobile arises, the BlackBerry Storm unit, which comes for free under the Smart Plan 3500, affords entrepreneurs the competitive edge of being productive even out of the office.
PLDT SME Nation Marketing Head Amil Azurin said amid an economic crisis, small and medium enterprises have always been optimistic and continue to “persevere” and are determined to see growth.
“SMEs are starting to invest in technology to support their expansion plans. They turn technology into profit which in turn reduces their cost and increase market reach and efficiency.”
The SME sector employs 70 per cent of the labor force and contributes 32 per cent to the country’s gross domestic product. “The business sector, especially the younger generation, are more wiling to incorporate technology in their business since they understand the cost-efficiency it can generate,” said PLDT SME Nation Vice President and head Kat Luna-Abelarde. Smart Corporate Business Group Marketing Head Chet Alviz attests that, the BlackBerry’s new model will help its users get connected anytime and anywhere, and will fit the needs of today’s entrepreneurs.
The BlackBerry Storm integrates PLDT SME Nation business solutions like the PLDT Watcher, where live video feed from the IP camera device can be directly viewed from the phone.
Aside from being a mobile email device, the BlackBerry Storm also packs in a global positioning system, multimedia functions, a 3.2-megapixel camera, and mobile streaming, to name a few. For more info on what PLDT SME Nation can offer your business, visit www.pldtsme-nation.com.ph.
Source: Manila Bulletin
Read more!
Cebu university suspends classes due to H1N1
3 students with flu, Visayas count at 21
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Three students from the University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue campus (UC-LM) were confirmed to have the Influenza A(H1N1) virus, forcing the suspension of classes there until June 28, according to regional advisories from the Department of Health (DoH).
This brought to 21 the total number of A(H1N1) patients in the Visayas – 12 in Central Visayas, six in Western Visayas, and three in Eastern Visayas, the DoH said.
The UC-LM also quarantined for 10 days 600 marine and nautical students who lived in the same dormitory with the three others who had the disease.
Another new case, a 20-year-old American from San Diego, California, tested positive for A(H1N1) after arrival in Bacolod City on June 9.
Bacolod City health officials are tracing the American patient’s contacts.
In Iloilo City, Mayor Jerry Treñas placed himself under a week-long quarantine to avoid the possibility of spreading the A(H1N1) virus, after arriving from the United States last Thursday.
Reached by phone at his house in Mandurriao District, Treñas said he was heeding the advice of the DoH to avoid crowds and refrain from being in close with other persons during the quarantine period.
Source: Phil. Daily Inquirer
Read more!
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Three students from the University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue campus (UC-LM) were confirmed to have the Influenza A(H1N1) virus, forcing the suspension of classes there until June 28, according to regional advisories from the Department of Health (DoH).
This brought to 21 the total number of A(H1N1) patients in the Visayas – 12 in Central Visayas, six in Western Visayas, and three in Eastern Visayas, the DoH said.
The UC-LM also quarantined for 10 days 600 marine and nautical students who lived in the same dormitory with the three others who had the disease.
Another new case, a 20-year-old American from San Diego, California, tested positive for A(H1N1) after arrival in Bacolod City on June 9.
Bacolod City health officials are tracing the American patient’s contacts.
In Iloilo City, Mayor Jerry Treñas placed himself under a week-long quarantine to avoid the possibility of spreading the A(H1N1) virus, after arriving from the United States last Thursday.
Reached by phone at his house in Mandurriao District, Treñas said he was heeding the advice of the DoH to avoid crowds and refrain from being in close with other persons during the quarantine period.
Source: Phil. Daily Inquirer
Read more!
Cebu energy project signs P16-B loan package
CEBU Energy Development Corp. (CEDC), the power arm of the Metrobank Group, said on Friday it completed the financing package for its P22-billion clean-coal power plant in Toledo, Cebu, in a bid to alleviate the power situation in the Visayas.
CEDC is a joint venture among Global Business Power Corp. of the Metrobank Group, Aboitiz Power Corp. Vivant Corp., and Formosa Heavy Industries (FHI) of Taiwan.
In a statement, CEDC said 11 banks and insurance companies pledged to lend CEDC P16 billion over 12 years in the deal arranged by investment bank First Metro Investment Corp. last week.
CEDC said the loan is already considered the largest peso-denominated project financing in the Philippines to date.
CEDC’s power project gives a much-needed shot in the arm to Trade Secretary Peter Favila’s economic-stimulus initiative that calls for the private sector to contribute P100 billion.
“The new power plant is also CEDC’s response to President Arroyo’s calls for the expansion of power-generation capacity, particularly in Cebu and the Visayas,” said Jesus Alcordo, CEDC president.
He added the plant will have a generating capacity of 246 megawatts.
CEDC claims that construction of the plant is well on its way, and is some 50-percent complete into the first of three power-generation units.
The unit is scheduled to be energized by the first quarter of 2010, with full commercial operation of the plant expected in the third quarter of 2010—the time that the power situation in Cebu and the Visayas moves from critical to actual shortage.
The new coal plant will be using the latest in clean-coal technology and is being built by FHI of Taiwan. FHI itself has a portfolio of modern, efficient and clean coal-fired power plants in Taiwan, the United States, Indonesia and the Philippines.
The clean-coal plant is envisioned to help solve the worsening power situation in the Visayas in general, and Cebu in particular. The Visayas and Cebu have been facing dwindling power reserves and insufficient peak capacity as early as 2008.
The plant is anticipated to supply the Balamban EnerZone, where Tsuneishi’s shipbuilding plant is being expanded, requiring not only more power but also reliable and quality energy.
Carmen Copper, which is now fully operational in the old Atlas Mining site, will also be a major beneficiary and is projected to create a tremendous multiplier effect as an economic-stimulus project.
Source: Paul Anthony A. Isla Business Mirror
Read more!
CEDC is a joint venture among Global Business Power Corp. of the Metrobank Group, Aboitiz Power Corp. Vivant Corp., and Formosa Heavy Industries (FHI) of Taiwan.
In a statement, CEDC said 11 banks and insurance companies pledged to lend CEDC P16 billion over 12 years in the deal arranged by investment bank First Metro Investment Corp. last week.
CEDC said the loan is already considered the largest peso-denominated project financing in the Philippines to date.
CEDC’s power project gives a much-needed shot in the arm to Trade Secretary Peter Favila’s economic-stimulus initiative that calls for the private sector to contribute P100 billion.
“The new power plant is also CEDC’s response to President Arroyo’s calls for the expansion of power-generation capacity, particularly in Cebu and the Visayas,” said Jesus Alcordo, CEDC president.
He added the plant will have a generating capacity of 246 megawatts.
CEDC claims that construction of the plant is well on its way, and is some 50-percent complete into the first of three power-generation units.
The unit is scheduled to be energized by the first quarter of 2010, with full commercial operation of the plant expected in the third quarter of 2010—the time that the power situation in Cebu and the Visayas moves from critical to actual shortage.
The new coal plant will be using the latest in clean-coal technology and is being built by FHI of Taiwan. FHI itself has a portfolio of modern, efficient and clean coal-fired power plants in Taiwan, the United States, Indonesia and the Philippines.
The clean-coal plant is envisioned to help solve the worsening power situation in the Visayas in general, and Cebu in particular. The Visayas and Cebu have been facing dwindling power reserves and insufficient peak capacity as early as 2008.
The plant is anticipated to supply the Balamban EnerZone, where Tsuneishi’s shipbuilding plant is being expanded, requiring not only more power but also reliable and quality energy.
Carmen Copper, which is now fully operational in the old Atlas Mining site, will also be a major beneficiary and is projected to create a tremendous multiplier effect as an economic-stimulus project.
Source: Paul Anthony A. Isla Business Mirror
Read more!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Kapamilya and Kapuso in Cebu
Two prime media partners join the CCCI events in the spirit of tourism. On June 17, GMA-7 and SM sponsored the launching of People at the SM Cinema 1, with Kapuso artist, former StarStruck and Binibining Pilipinas 2009 finalist, Rich Asuncion, as guest celebrity.The prelude to the yearlong series of Success Stories (from July 2009-May 2010 hosted by 12 schools) featured successful entrepreneur Bunny Pages and performing artist Eva Santos (June 17); the June episode of People introduced a masahista/manicurista for 36 years, Estela Basata (June 17) and Joel Pulvera, resort owner from Camotes (June 19). Tomorrow, June 20, at the Ayala Center, the Cebu Business Month Musicfest will be hosted by ABS-CBN and Ayala, featuring a lot of Kapamilya celebrities headed by Anna Fegi. The event enhances Cebu as the Entertainment Hub. So, Kapamilya and Kapuso, be with us and enjoy the fun!
From food, sports to entertainment
The pre-CBM tourism survey revealed that the “explorable” areas for creative packages were food, sports/adventure, education, heritage/festivals and film/TV entertainment. Respondents believed that Cebu could enhance these areas to enrich domestic tourism.
Yesterday, the Tourism Congress focused on Cebu’s homegrown resources and people and invited local and national-based panelists and discussants to share their insights. Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, the exponent of countryside tourism, gave the inspirational message. Tourism Undersecretary Phineas Alburo, DoT7 director Patria Aurora Roa and board member Agnes Magpale acted as panel and workshop resource persons.
Culinary guru Jessica Avila, Hotel Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu’s Marco Protacio as resource persons, with discussants Roy Abraham (Marriot) and Dr. Nestor Alonzo (Freeman) engaged in an interactive workshop in Food Tourism, moderated by Aissa de la Cruz.. They discerned how hotels, resorts, restaurants and small players could develop creative food tourism packages. Invited guest Jay Gamboa (executive chef for Cirkulo and Milky Way and director for education of Les Toques Blanches Philippines) shared his insights in international culinary tests where the Philippines won accolades during the morning panel discussion.
The Workshop on Sports/Adventure Tourism will see varied activities which invite a growing number of tourists. Marget Villarica (Destination Specialists) and Fr. Tito Soquino, OSA, provide the framework on their ecology-based projects in the morning session to prepare workshop resource persons Martin Naussbaumer (Sea Explorers), Paulo Garcia (Airsoft) and Glenn Soco; discussants Fr. Charlito Orobia, OAR, (Sea Knights-Stewards), Golly Talens (Hilton), Angelita Panaguiton (Plantation Bay), Jenny Franco (Travelvision) and Hember Mendoza (Waterfront Casino Mactan).
Meanwhile, educator Fr. Dionisio Miranda, SVD (USC), talks about some concerns about the sustainability of some tourism programs; resource persons Dr. Candelario Aytona and Dr. Tina Barba of Commission on Higher Education 7; and Rosanna Urdaneta, Tesda; with discussants Dean Edgar, Detoya, (University of San Jose Recoletos), Dr. Efren Valiente (Benedicto College), Dr. Alicia Cabatingan (University of Southern Philippines), Apolonio Dedamo (University of San Carlos) and Prof. Ernesto Golosino (Holy Name University-Bohol) discuss how to match skills of human resources with the needs of the industry.
Natural and Historical Landmarks/Festivals. Resource persons DoT 7 director Patria Aurora Roa; Magpale and Mayen Tan with discussants Alice Queblatin, Cecille Saa and Val Sandiego look into creative perks featuring landmarks and festivals with moderator Vince Escario. In the morning, Ivan Man Dy shares his experiences in the Old Manila Walk.
Film/TV/entertainment and performing arts. Discussants Roger Serna and Dr. Teodie Dumam-ag of Sun Star Entertainment and USJR Masscom respectively; Nathalie Tomada (Freeman) and Jose Gatino Nacario (Academe) engage in a lilting review of the local talents of Cebu, moderated by Jane Abella of ABS-CBN. In the morning, Matt Lubetich of Big Foot analyzes Cebu’s resources for film/entertainment. An added feature are the insights of Rosvi Gaetos to show how M.I.C.E. helps domestic tourism.
Drivers of tourism
Pioneers in tourism entrepreneurship and leadership; dynamic achievers in the travel industry; and success in the practice of the tourism profession, not to mention their support of the CCCI tourism events for more than a decade, will all take the center stage.
The Grand Kasangga sa Tourism tribute will be accorded to DoT 7 director Dawnie Roa and Magpale. The posthumous award goes to practitioner, the late Marilou Pintor, who, as Margaret Ang said, “worked hard to push the first Cebu-Hong Kong Cathay Pacific direct flight, when she was working in this airline!”
Special citations will be conferred on Tourism Department, CHED and Marisa Fernan as enduring partners of CCCI tourism events.
Source: Mila C. Espina Manila Standard
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Thursday, June 18, 2009
Lapu-Lapu Shrine
The Lapu-Lapu shrine is a 20-meter bronze statue in Punta Engaño, Mactan Island, Cebu, Philippines, erected in honor of Datu Lapu-Lapu, a native chieftain who defeated Spanish soldiers, and Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in the Battle of Mactan on 1521.
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Parkmall: Cebu's newest lifestyle destination
MANILA, Philippines - Parkmall, Cebu’s newest lifestyle destination, continues to attract discerning mallgoers, thanks to its ideal location, wide range of stores and facilities that set it apart from other malls.Conveniently located 15 minutes away from the Mactan International Airport and just a stones’ throw away from the port of Cebu, Parkmall encompasses a total lifestyle experience with the right blend of a lush, landscaped park and ample parking spaces that offer a convenient shopping experience.
It boasts of having Save More, Cebu’s most spacious and complete grocery store, and the Kids Village, one of Cebu’s biggest indoor playgrounds.
Only recently, a beach volleyball sand court was constructed, which cements Parkmall’s reputation as Cebu’s one-stop place for shopping, leisure and recreation.
The sand court makes quality beach volley action easily accessible to more people, while helping to promote a healthy and active lifestyle.
The newly opened Parkmall is no stranger to major events. Barely a year since it opened, Parkmall marketing manager Tony Tiu says Parkmall has already played host to some of Cebu’s hot-ticket events like the 13th Bob Marley Festival, OZR Motor Grand Prix Racing, Cebu Auto Cross Competition, First Cebu Airsoft Competition, the first Cebu Reggae Festival, and the Visayas leg of the Nestea Fit Beach Volley National Circuit ’09, the summer’s biggest event.
Indeed, the intense beach volleyball tournaments featuring Visayas’ best collegiate beach volley teams and the highly successful Nestea Fit Summer Street Party that featured creations by noted designer PJ Arañador and a party that showcased Driven Manila DJs David Ardiente and Miko Syquia complemented Parkmall’s thrust as the mall to see and be seen at in Cebu.
Source: Philstar
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Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Nalusuan Island Resort
Nalusuan Island has been a well-established destination on the local island circuit for years. The owners of the island have designated the area surrounding Nalusuan Island as a Marine Sanctuary for several years.The swimming area is well protected so it's excellent for kids.
Upon arrival on the island you pass by a large man-made salt water pool that contains a variety of local marine life, Sea Turtles, Lapu-Lapu (a local species of grouper) and other species can be observed.
Other Amenities include:
• Jet Ski rentals
• Snorkeling
• Swimming
• Bar/Restaurant
Source: Cebu Island Adventures
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BOC to enforce new system for Peza shipments in Cebu
THE Bureau of Customs will enforce a new procedure in the Cebu International Port and Mactan International Airport starting later this month on economic-zone shipments for the effective implementation of the Automated Cargo Transfer System.According to Customs Memorandum Order 24-2009, approved by BOC Commissioner Napoleon Morales last week, the new order will be enforced on Philippine Economic Zone Authority-registered locators and importers starting next week.
Under the new regulation, the BOC will no longer require Customs Peza Warehousing Entry, Transshipment Permit, Transit Cargo Manifest, Boatnote, Mission Order and Telegram in cargo declaration and transfer. The government would instead require the use of Import Entry Internal Revenue Declaration (IEIRD)-Transit for the particulars of the import shipments.
Ecozone enterprises, meanwhile, will have to lodge the IEIRD-Transits using the Single-Administrative Document through any of the BOC-accredited value-added service providers as the BOC will no longer accept entries lodged manually.
Only ecozone enterprises and customs brokers with active registration in the old automated customs operating system can lodge electronic transit declarations.
Ecozone enterprises are also required to post a one-time surety bond issued by a surety company accredited by the BOC, which will serve as guarantee of payment of taxes and duties.
The value of the bond should be equivalent to the average duties and taxes due on importations of the ecozone enterprise for a period of three days.
This is based on the total duties and taxes due on its actual importations during the three-month period immediately prior to its posting of the bond.
BOC may also require an ecozone locator to increase the value of the bond at the end of a semester, upon determination of a significant increase in the level of its actual importations in order to ensure that its surety bond provides adequate coverage of taxes and duties due on its current importations.
The locator is also required to pay BOC cargo transfer fees for the transit goods.
This will only be available through automatic debit from a pre-payment account that they have established in a bank branch designated by BOC’s Port of Mactan collector.
“For tax and duty-exempt import shipments arriving by sea at the Cebu International Port, the transit declaration should be electronically lodged with the Port of Mactan through the VASPs,” BOC said. It added that the processing will be the same as those cargoes shipped through air.
Source: VG Cabuag Business Mirror
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Malapascua Island - Diving Video
First Video Collection of Malapascua Island.
Malapascua Island is situated in Daanbantayan, Cebu.
Malapascua is a tiny island, only about 2.5 kilometers long and 1km wide, located across a shallow strait from the northernmost tip of mainland Cebu island. The island is covered by the insular barangay of Logon (part of the Daanbantayan municipality), with eight hamlets.
As a diving destination, Malapascua was "discovered" fairly recently, only in the early 90s. The island was first known for its wide white sand beach, known as Bounty Beach; it has become known for its beautiful coral gardens and excellent dive spots nearby, including Monad Shoal, an underwater plateau where thresher sharks and manta rays can be sighted on a regular basis. To date, this is the only place in the world where divers can reliably sight thresher sharks.
Most of the islanders derive their livelihood from tourism, while some still rely on sustenance fishing and farming.
Source: Wikipedia
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Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Cebu braces for tourism slump on A(H1N1) scare
CEBU CITY—Tourism players are reallocating their resources to attract regional and domestic tourists as the continued alarm over the Influenza A(H1N1) virus threatens major markets like the US and Europe.Tourism Underscretary Phineas Alburo said Cebu and Central Visayas will definitely be affected as governments advise their citizens to hold off travel plans because of the A(H1N1) threat.
“We could still not say by how much we will be affected, but there will be an effect,” Alburo told the BusinessMirror on Tuesday.
“The industry is being hit by three factors: the recession, the virus and the increasing prices of fuel.”
Hotel operators are banking on the domestic market and the upcoming honeymoon season in Korea to pick up the slack in room occupancy, as many American and European tourists will likely cancel their travel plans.
General manager Dean Cid of Microtel Inn and Suites Mactan said his company projects room occupancy to pick up from July to September with thousands of Korean couples on honeymoon arriving in Central Philippines.
He said, however, that the hotel is intensifying its efforts to diversify its market particularly targeting the domestic travelers.
“It would be very difficult if we rely heavily on the Korean market,” Cid said.
To boost domestic tourism, Microtel Mactan launched its lean season package for domestic tourists, slashing off room rates by as much as 60 percent to encourage locals to go on vacation and travel.
Cid said there is a significant number of domestic travelers and families on vacation checking in at Microtel, signifying a domestic tourism market that is starting to pick up despite the global recession.
At present, Microtel has an occupancy rate of 50 percent, or a rate that is considered “slow” even for the lean month of June in terms of Cebu’s robust tourism industry.
Cid said several days in July are already fully booked mostly by Korean groups, and the hopes that the upward swing should continue the rest of the year.
Alburo said promotion efforts by the Department of Tourism (DOT) will continue, targeting short haul tourists from neighboring countries like Korea, Japan, China and even India.
He said while the domestic picture may be challenging, Cebu should continue to post positive growth in 2009. Cebu receives around 50 international flights a week and several chartered flights from key markets.
In 2008, foreign tourist arrivals in central Visayas reached around 1 million. In the first three months of the year, foreign arrivals hit close to 225,000 or a four-percent growth from the same period last year.
Cebu is also set to host next week the Philippine International Tourism Fair with more than 300 foreign buyers coming over to meet local players in the tourism industry.
Alburo said India and the Middle East are two key markets the Philippines intends to tap.
The last time the Philippines experienced a challenging time for the tourism industry was during the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) scare of 2003.
“The SARS scare, however, was limited to China and other Asian countries,” Alburo said.
Now, the countries most affected by the A(H1N1) “are the US and Europe—our biggest markets,” Alburo emphasized.
Source: Willy Rodolfo III Business Mirror
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Cebu Pacific ramps up fleet: Airline planning to buy 20 airplanes
GOKONGWEI-led Cebu Pacific on Tuesday said it will buy five more Airbus A320-family aircraft from its earlier planned purchase of 10 airplanes.In addition, the company is studying whether it should order five more aircraft, said Cebu Pacific president Lance Gokongwei.
Total investment for this fleet expansion is estimated to reach $1.3 billion. Delivery of the 180-seat aircraft, said Gokongwei, is scheduled from October 2010 to November 2013.
Gokongwei said the additional orders are needed because of the airline’s expanding domestic and international operations.
The Airbus A320 family of short- to medium-range commercial passenger airliners are manufactured by France-based Airbus and are the only narrow-body aircraft in their product line. Family members include the A318, A319, A320 and A321, as well as the ACJ business jet.
With more than 3,800 aircraft of the A320 family built, it is the second best-selling jet airliner family of all time after its primary competition, the Boeing 737. “The global economic downturn notwithstanding, we are experiencing a surge in the number of passengers flying Cebu Pacific mainly because of our low fares. We expect this growth to continue, hence our decision to further expand our fleet,” he said.
Cebu Pacific carried close to 7 million passengers last year and expects to carry 9 million this year. Altogether, the airline has placed firm orders of 27 A320 aircraft, of which 12 have already been delivered. “We currently operate 21 aircraft in the A320 family, including nine leased ones, with an average age of just 1.9 years.” Gokongwei said in a statement.
The new A320s will be powered by CFM International’s CFM56-5B engines, worth $140 million, which are very efficient and have better fuel consumption. The engine also meets the latest environmental protection standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization for its low carbon dioxide emission.
The airline had earlier signed a $100-million OnPoint solution agreement with GE Aviation’s services business. The 12-year service contract includes general maintenance and repairs, parts procurement, technology upgrades, engine leasing, and overhaul of the CFM56-5B engines. “This expansion will more than double passenger capacity and enable us to provide our trademark low fares for new domestic and international destinations. We expect to increase our passenger numbers from 9 million this year to 15 million in 2013,” Gokongwei added.
Cebu Pacific operates flights to 15 cities in Asia and 32 domestic destinations using 21 Airbus aircraft and eight ATR aircraft.
Source: Lenie Lectura Business Mirror
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Bike lanes pushed for Cebu City streets
CLOSING at least half of the lanes to accommodate pedestrians and bicycles may not only ease traffic but help reduce air pollution in Cebu City, an environment advocacy group said in a letter sent to city officials yesterday.
The Global Legal Action on Climate Change (GLACC) proposed that half of the city's main roads like Osmeña Boulevard be confined for use by pedestrians and bicycles only while other roads would be allocated for public and private vehicles.
GLACC is an organization that strictly monitors the government's implementation of the environmental laws.
“May we request that the road system follow the simple principle that those who have less in wheels must have more in road,” said the letter signed by 25 regular citizens with legal assistance of Benjamin Cabrido Jr. and three other lawyers.
They requested that a lane of at least four meters wide be provided for pedestrians and another lane of at least three meters wide be converted and devoted for bicycle lane.
The proposal was submitted to the Cebu City government as a People's initiative under the local government code.
GLACC said these measures would help prevent climate change.
However, the group's proposal was referred to the City Council's committee on environment under Cebu City Councilor Nestor Archival for further study and feasibility.
Cebu City is pushing for a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) mass transport system to ease out passenger jeepneys and reduce the use of private vehicles.
Source: Marian Z. Codilla
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The Global Legal Action on Climate Change (GLACC) proposed that half of the city's main roads like Osmeña Boulevard be confined for use by pedestrians and bicycles only while other roads would be allocated for public and private vehicles.
GLACC is an organization that strictly monitors the government's implementation of the environmental laws.
“May we request that the road system follow the simple principle that those who have less in wheels must have more in road,” said the letter signed by 25 regular citizens with legal assistance of Benjamin Cabrido Jr. and three other lawyers.
They requested that a lane of at least four meters wide be provided for pedestrians and another lane of at least three meters wide be converted and devoted for bicycle lane.
The proposal was submitted to the Cebu City government as a People's initiative under the local government code.
GLACC said these measures would help prevent climate change.
However, the group's proposal was referred to the City Council's committee on environment under Cebu City Councilor Nestor Archival for further study and feasibility.
Cebu City is pushing for a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) mass transport system to ease out passenger jeepneys and reduce the use of private vehicles.
Source: Marian Z. Codilla
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Monday, June 15, 2009
HappySlip in Cebu
I love this girl for her funny actings in youtube. If you don't know her she is Christine of HappySlip Channel. Try searching her name in youtube and you can see more of her. I just can't stop laughing after watching this video while he had her vacation in Cebu, I'm sure she is enjoying her stay. Enjoy her video too :)
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Cebu welcomes call center expansion
Rep. Eduardo Gullas (1st District, Cebu) has credited business process outsourcing provider Aegis PeopleSupport Inc. for its decision to build a new P685-million facility in Cebu City and engage an additional staff of 2,500, a press release from his office said."This is definitely most welcome, coming at a time when other firms are aggressively laying off workers, or have ceased hiring as result of the global economic meltdown," Gullas said.
He added that the BPO company’s move has also reinforced Cebu’s standing as a global hub for outsourced information technology-enabled services, with the province’s vast college-educated human resources and ample infrastructure and connectivity.
Through his campaign to build up the English and other foreign language skills of Filipinos, Gullas, an educator, has been a key congressional backer of the country’s booming BPO industry.
Aegis SeopleSupport, formerly PeopleSupport Inc., is one of the pioneers in the local BPO industry, the press release said.*
Source: Visayan Daily Star
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Sunday, June 14, 2009
The reason why investors loved Cebu.
Cebu has the highest economic growth rate in the Philippines and higher than that of the national capital region. Foreign investment Group make cebu ranked number eight as a great Potential Investment Hub. by the Finance Direct Investment (fDi) magazine of the Financial Times Group. Investment advisory firms tholons and the global services publication ranked cebu as the number one city for Business Process Outsourcing companies overtaking the three cities in india.
Cebu is also ranked as the Top 10 Best Asian Cities. With over 5 billion US dollars in annual revenue in export industry alone. Cebu's Major industries are Electronics / electrical equipment manufacturing, car manufacturing, gun manufacturing, shoe manufacturing, computers, metals and precision instruments, chemicals, industrial parts assembly, food processing, furniture, fashion accessories, gifts, toys and housewares (GTH), garments, stonecraft, shipbuilding, and mining. More than eighty percent (80%) of the Countries Inter Island Shipping are Cebuano owned Companies.
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Feature: Overseas jobs fair caps the 3-day mega event in Cebu
Cebu, Philippines (15 June) -- More than 5000 to 6000 job seekers lined-up daily for the last three (3) days from June 12, 13 and 14 at the lobby of the 4th level of SM-Cebu leading to the Trade Hall 1 for the mega jobs fair initiated by the government as its Independence Day response to mitigate the impact of the global financial crisis among the export industry workers, OFWs and the marginalized groups in the country.
More than 34,600 overseas jobs offered by 51 recruitment and placement agencies were up for grabs as the government caps its 3-day mega jobs fair event in Central Visayas today.
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-7)-Cebu Provincial Director Grace Diaz revealed that there were more than 1,500 qualified applicants that were interviewed for possible job placements abroad.
“These jobs are mostly available in the Middle East countries such as Dubai, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates; Canada, New Zealand, USA, the Caribbean Islands and Africa, Ms. Diaz said.
Diaz added that on the June 12 various government agencies in Central Visayas set up their mini recruitment offices at the SM-Trade Hall to open their job vacancies to the public.
One hundred forty-three (143) qualified applicants were hired on the spot for the various jobs at the DPWH, NEDA, DepEd, PNP and the BJMP in region 7.
Diaz went, there were 1089 job seekers that registered for that day but only 305 were qualified and interviewed. Majority of the applicants do not have CSC eligibility while those that qualified and were interviewed lacked some important documentation.
On the 2nd day of the jobs fair (June 13), the lobby of the SM-Trade Hall was literally bursting with job applicants for the private local employment.
Fifty (50) employers and companies joined the fair with about 2000 job orders or vacancies but only 123 qualified applicants were hired on the spot, Diaz added.
Most of those hired are engineers, administrative positions and production workers within Cebu and Negros oriental, DOLE-7 records showed.
Meanwhile, POEA-7 regional director Evelia Durato in an interview said, the mega jobs fair is an offshoot of the global financial crash and government has to do something to address the situation.
"We hope that these efforts will help those retrenched OFWs and other workers to find other jobs. We are closely and will continue to monitor especially those that qualified for overseas placements, we will assist them in any way we can and we will get to the bottom of it aron nga ma-hire gyud ni sila, Durato added.
She went on to say that there is an increasing trend in overseas jobs placements in central Visayas because there are more than 120 to 130 recruitment agencies here in region 7 that cater to overseas workers that want to establish their branches in Cebu.
Most of these agencies cater to OFWs in the Middle East, the number one destination of overseas workers in the region, according to Durato.
"It looks like the Middle East is not affected by the global financial meltdown because there are no retrenchments there, they continue to hire workers," Durato happily said. (PIA-7/MBCN)
Source: Minerva BC Newman PIA Information Services
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More than 34,600 overseas jobs offered by 51 recruitment and placement agencies were up for grabs as the government caps its 3-day mega jobs fair event in Central Visayas today.
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-7)-Cebu Provincial Director Grace Diaz revealed that there were more than 1,500 qualified applicants that were interviewed for possible job placements abroad.
“These jobs are mostly available in the Middle East countries such as Dubai, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates; Canada, New Zealand, USA, the Caribbean Islands and Africa, Ms. Diaz said.
Diaz added that on the June 12 various government agencies in Central Visayas set up their mini recruitment offices at the SM-Trade Hall to open their job vacancies to the public.
One hundred forty-three (143) qualified applicants were hired on the spot for the various jobs at the DPWH, NEDA, DepEd, PNP and the BJMP in region 7.
Diaz went, there were 1089 job seekers that registered for that day but only 305 were qualified and interviewed. Majority of the applicants do not have CSC eligibility while those that qualified and were interviewed lacked some important documentation.
On the 2nd day of the jobs fair (June 13), the lobby of the SM-Trade Hall was literally bursting with job applicants for the private local employment.
Fifty (50) employers and companies joined the fair with about 2000 job orders or vacancies but only 123 qualified applicants were hired on the spot, Diaz added.
Most of those hired are engineers, administrative positions and production workers within Cebu and Negros oriental, DOLE-7 records showed.
Meanwhile, POEA-7 regional director Evelia Durato in an interview said, the mega jobs fair is an offshoot of the global financial crash and government has to do something to address the situation.
"We hope that these efforts will help those retrenched OFWs and other workers to find other jobs. We are closely and will continue to monitor especially those that qualified for overseas placements, we will assist them in any way we can and we will get to the bottom of it aron nga ma-hire gyud ni sila, Durato added.
She went on to say that there is an increasing trend in overseas jobs placements in central Visayas because there are more than 120 to 130 recruitment agencies here in region 7 that cater to overseas workers that want to establish their branches in Cebu.
Most of these agencies cater to OFWs in the Middle East, the number one destination of overseas workers in the region, according to Durato.
"It looks like the Middle East is not affected by the global financial meltdown because there are no retrenchments there, they continue to hire workers," Durato happily said. (PIA-7/MBCN)
Source: Minerva BC Newman PIA Information Services
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JAI HO performed by the CPDRC inmates
CPDRC inmates does another dance presentation. Two thumbs up to those who are behind this. :)
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Saturday, June 13, 2009
Spa market in Cebu saturated
CEBU CITY – Metropolitan Cebu no longer has room for new spa operators as the local wellness industry has long been saturated, an official from the Spa and Wellness Association of Cebu said.
“Cebu’s spa industry can no longer take in new players. Already, the industry has seen more spas closing shop,” Swac President Johnie Lim lamented.
Lim said the oversupply of spas has triggered slow growth for the sector, and industry players project a zero growth rate this year.
However, Lim said Swac, a group of 35 spa operators in Cebu, remains unfazed by news that several players have already folded up due to declining revenues and slow market demand.
“Filtering the industry is healthy for us because it takes out uninterested players. It means that only those who survive and have the passion for their work are the ones really interested in the business,” Lim noted.
He advised interested spa investors to “have a long-term perspective of the business” and contribute to the objective of making Cebu a spa destination in the country.
Lim admitted that the saturation of the local industry has resulted to several spas providing “lesser quality” and “diluted” services.
“These lesser quality services are contributing less to the objective of Cebu as a wellness destination,” he said.
Swac, together with the Cebu Health and Wellness Council, has been collaborating in achieving the objective of making Cebu a wellness hub in Southeast Asia by 2011.
Source: MALOU M. MOZO Manila Bulletin
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“Cebu’s spa industry can no longer take in new players. Already, the industry has seen more spas closing shop,” Swac President Johnie Lim lamented.
Lim said the oversupply of spas has triggered slow growth for the sector, and industry players project a zero growth rate this year.
However, Lim said Swac, a group of 35 spa operators in Cebu, remains unfazed by news that several players have already folded up due to declining revenues and slow market demand.
“Filtering the industry is healthy for us because it takes out uninterested players. It means that only those who survive and have the passion for their work are the ones really interested in the business,” Lim noted.
He advised interested spa investors to “have a long-term perspective of the business” and contribute to the objective of making Cebu a spa destination in the country.
Lim admitted that the saturation of the local industry has resulted to several spas providing “lesser quality” and “diluted” services.
“These lesser quality services are contributing less to the objective of Cebu as a wellness destination,” he said.
Swac, together with the Cebu Health and Wellness Council, has been collaborating in achieving the objective of making Cebu a wellness hub in Southeast Asia by 2011.
Source: MALOU M. MOZO Manila Bulletin
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Friday, June 12, 2009
Cebu to break largest dance class record
Slowly but surely, the attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the Largest Dance Class is coming into fruition.
This developed after the organizers of the grandioso feat, Dancesport Team Cebu City founders Edward and Eleanor Hayco, met with public and private school teachers and principals and Department of Education officials led by Superintendent Dr. Lorna E. Rances at their home in Beverly Hills.
The attempt is scheduled on June 27 at 1 p.m. at the Cebu City Sports Center Oval. DTCC is raring to break the record currently held by the city of Budapest, Hungary after the event called Életfa-Hosök tornája with Norbert Schobert flocked together 2,289 people last May 23 to break the previous record held by Moscow, Russia with 1, 830 people.
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This developed after the organizers of the grandioso feat, Dancesport Team Cebu City founders Edward and Eleanor Hayco, met with public and private school teachers and principals and Department of Education officials led by Superintendent Dr. Lorna E. Rances at their home in Beverly Hills.
The attempt is scheduled on June 27 at 1 p.m. at the Cebu City Sports Center Oval. DTCC is raring to break the record currently held by the city of Budapest, Hungary after the event called Életfa-Hosök tornája with Norbert Schobert flocked together 2,289 people last May 23 to break the previous record held by Moscow, Russia with 1, 830 people.
Source Link
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Thursday, June 11, 2009
Baseball Philippines: Cebu resumes bid for semis
MANILA, Philippines – It will be a busy weekend for Baseball Philippines as the league plays the remainder of its Series V classification phase and the quarterfinal round starting Friday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.
Cebu (4-4) seeks to keep its drive for the second outright semifinals seat going as it plays Dumaguete Unibikers at 7:30 am Friday.
A win will put the Dolphins to a clash with Manila for the right to join unbeaten Batangas Bulls into the Final Four.
However, a loss to the Unibikers will hand the second outright semis seat to the Sharks (6-3) with the Dolphins relegated to the quarterfinal stage starting Saturday.
The final ranking of the six competing teams will be known after Friday’s games with the third and fourth-ranked teams enjoying twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals against the No. 5 and 6.
Source Link
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Cebu (4-4) seeks to keep its drive for the second outright semifinals seat going as it plays Dumaguete Unibikers at 7:30 am Friday.
A win will put the Dolphins to a clash with Manila for the right to join unbeaten Batangas Bulls into the Final Four.
However, a loss to the Unibikers will hand the second outright semis seat to the Sharks (6-3) with the Dolphins relegated to the quarterfinal stage starting Saturday.
The final ranking of the six competing teams will be known after Friday’s games with the third and fourth-ranked teams enjoying twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals against the No. 5 and 6.
Source Link
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Over 1,000 Cebu gov't workers to gather at MSS for June 12 celebration
Cebu City (June 11) -- Over 1,000 government employees from different regional line agencies in Cebu will gather tomorrow at the Malacañang sa Sugbo (MSS) for the wreath-laying and flag raising ceremony in celebration of the country's 111th Philippine Independence Day.
Local government units in the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Lapulapu and Talisay as well as the Provincial Government will have their respective wreath laying and flag raising ceremony at 8:00 a.m., which is simultaneous to that of other areas across the country.
In Central Visayas, Cebu and Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental will be the main points for the annual independence rites where the latter will have Finance Sec. Margarito Teves as the guest of honor during the observance.
Visayas Ombudsman Pelagio Apostol and Presidential Assistant for Central Visayas Felix Guanzon will deliver the independence messages for Cebu at the MSS while Sec. Teves is expected to fly to Cebu from Dumaguete City late morning for the commemorative program at the SM City Cebu where the awarding of scholarship grants and training vouchers will be done.
Source Link
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